NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees added to their bullpen Wednesday by acquiring right-handed reliever Angel Chivilli in a trade with the Colorado Rockies.
They sent minor league infielder T.J. Rumfield to Colorado for Chivilli, a 23-year-old from the Dominican Republic with two seasons of major league experience. He had a 7.06 ERA in 43 relief appearances for the Rockies last year and a 4.55 ERA in 30 appearances with them in 2024.
Chivilli in his career has struck out 71 batters, walked 33 and allowed 20 home runs in 90 1/3 innings. To make room on the 40-man roster for Chivilli, the team designated outfielder Michael Siani for assignment.
Rumfield, 25, is a Richmond, Virginia, native who has played in the minors in the Philadelphia Phillies' and Yankees' organizations since 2021.
The Rockies separately acquired infielder Edouard Julien and reliever Pierson Ohl in a trade with Minnesota, sending minor league pitcher Jace Kaminska to the Twins.
Julien finished seventh in American League Rookie of the Year award voting in 2023 after posting an .839 OPS with 16 home runs in 109 games for the Twins while taking over as the regular second baseman for the AL Central champions. The native of Quebec wasn't able to maintain his offensive production after that and went up and down from the Twins to Triple-A over the last two seasons. Julien hit .220 in 64 games last year.
The move comes one day after the NCAA filed a motion for Roberts, an Alabama donor, to recuse himself. Roberts is listed by the Crimson Tide Foundation as an active “circle” donor, meaning he gives anywhere between $100,000 to $249,999 to the university.
The NCAA said in court documents that it filed the motion pertaining to Roberts because of "external circumstances that could give the appearance of partiality."
Roberts had granted Bediako a temporary restraining order against the NCAA on Jan. 21 that made him immediately eligible for the Crimson Tide, who he played for from 2021-23 before declaring for the NBA Draft. Though he never suited up in the NBA, Bediako played 82 games in the G League over three seasons. He played for the Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons’ G League affiliate, as recently as Jan. 17.
Bediako had an injunction hearing scheduled for Jan. 27, but it was pushed back after weather conditions in Tennessee prevented an NCAA lawyer from being able to make it to Alabama for the hearing. Because of that, Roberts extended Bediako’s restraining order another 10 days.
Following a three-year sabbatical from college basketball, Bediako has been immediately impactful for an Alabama team that’s No. 23 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. In two games — a loss to Tennessee and a win over Missouri — the 23-year-old Bediako is averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and one block in 21.5 minutes per game while shooting 81.8% from the field.
The Crimson Tide have games against No. 21 Florida on Feb. 1 and Texas A&M on Feb. 4 that are scheduled before the 10-day extension on Bediako’s restraining order is set to lapse.
Are the Charlotte Hornets good? Someone needs to ask.
They have a worse winning percentage than the Memphis Grizzlies, but a better point differential, better postseason hopes, and also the best net rating in the NBA recently.
Charlotte might be good. My Hornets vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, January 28 certainly consider it.
Hornets vs Grizzlies prediction
Hornets vs Grizzlies best bet: Hornets -2 (-110)
As shocking as this is, the Charlotte Hornets may be playing better than anyone else in the NBA these days. The Hornets have the No. 1 net rating in the NBA over the last 10 games, +13.7 a full two points better per 100 possessions than No. 2.
Credit Charlotte’s offense, ranking No. 1 in rating at 122.9 in that stretch, and it should feast against the Memphis Grizzlies' struggling defense.
The Grizzlies’ defense falling off is an indictment on plenty of things there.
Losing Desmond Bane hurt. Overall locker room frustrations do not help. And thus, that defense has rated No. 19 in the last 10 games, giving up 114.6 points per 100 possessions.
Look at it this way; that is five points worse than Charlotte’s defense in the same stretch.
Hornets vs Grizzlies same-game parlay
Memphis’s defense has become a genuine liability, part of the Grizzlies cashing four Overs in their last five games. But doubt in LaMelo Ball still makes sense given his decreased workload in recent weeks.
He has fallen short of this modest prop in four of his last six games.
Hornets vs Grizzlies SGP
Hornets -2
Over 230.5
LaMelo Ball Under 21.5 points + rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Bridges wastes no time
As much as Ball wants to be traded, Miles Bridges is that likely to be traded. He has thus been showcased a bit more lately.
Hornets vs Grizzlies SGP
Hornets -2
Over 230.5
LaMelo Ball Under 21.5 points + rebounds
Miles Bridges Over 3.5 points 1Q
Hornets vs Grizzlies odds
Spread: Hornets -2 | Grizzlies +2
Moneyline: Hornets -135 | Grizzlies +115
Over/Under: Over 230.5 | Under 230.5
Hornets vs Grizzlies betting trend to know
The Grizzlies are spiraling. They have lost three straight games outright, including two as favorites, and are just 2-6 outright in their last eight. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Grizzlies.
How to watch Hornets vs Grizzlies
Location
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Date
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Charlotte, FDSN-Memphis
Hornets vs Grizzlies latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
A massive update related to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks came across Wednesday, Jan. 28, and it’s one that will have ripple effects across the entire trading market.
Several teams with the assets necessary to make a bid for Antetokounmpo have been waiting for him to become officially available in a trade, which has caused the overall market to lag some.
That means stars such as Anthony Davis, Ja Morant might have to wait for resolution in the Antetokounmpo case to see if they’ll have new homes.
The trading deadline is Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. ET.
Here are the latest trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the Milwaukee Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors
According to an ESPN report that published Wednesday morning, Antetokounmpo has indicated he’s ready to move on from the Bucks, which is essentially a euphemism that he’s requesting a trade.
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have been cautious about optics in this case, and neither side has wanted to appear – at least in the public eye – as the culprit for what is becoming an inevitability.
Per ESPN, the Bucks are now more open than ever to field offers for Antetokounmpo prior to the trading deadline, though Milwaukee is under no obligation to move the two-time MVP.
In fact, the Bucks are operating from a position of some leverage and can wait until the offseason to find resolution in this case. Teams are constrained by the salary cap and limited roster size during the season, and suitors will have far more draft capital available to ship to Milwaukee.
A trade like this also may require a third or fourth team, so the logistics of wrangling all moving parts together before next Thursday would be complicated.
ESPN also reported that potential suitors have gotten the sense that Milwaukee is willing to listen to offers. The question now becomes whether any team can present a deal enticing enough for the Bucks to maximize their return on Antetokounmpo, who has spent 12 ½ seasons in Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo, 31, has averaged 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists through 30 games this season, though he recently suffered a right calf strain that will sideline him for at least the next month.
Another reason why this has been a frustrating season for Antetokounmpo has been injuries.
Antetokounmpo reaggravated a right calf strain Friday, Jan. 23 in a 102-100 loss against the Nuggets, and indicated that he would miss between four-to-six weeks. That sidelines him well beyond the Feb. 5 trading deadline, and could complicate any potential trade that would come before the deadline; essentially, any team acquiring him would need to feel that Antetokounmpo would be available and fully healthy for the back half of the season, into a push for the playoffs.
It has been a turbulent season for Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
It all started before the season, during Bucks media day on Sept. 29, when team owner Wes Edens said he and Antetokounmpo met in June, and that Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to Milwaukee.
“I had a great conversation with Giannis back in June out here, where he was very committed to Milwaukee,” Edens told reporters in September. “He likes being here. He likes his family being here.”
But when it was his turn to speak, Antetokounmpo said he could not recall that conversation and did not give any assurances that he’s committed to the Bucks beyond the present.
“I want to be on a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship,” Antetokounmpo said. “It is never going to change. I want to be among the best.”
Interestingly, prior to Milwaukee’s 139-122 loss Tuesday, Jan. 27 against the 76ers, Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters that Philadelphia center Joel Embiid, the 2022-23 NBA Most Valuable Player, was “the most talented player I ever coached.” It raised eyebrows considering Rivers has coached Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, for parts of three seasons.
Forward Jae Crowder, who played for the Bucks for two seasons, took to social media Wednesday after news of Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee broke. Crowder was part of the 2023-24 team that eventually fired former coach Adrian Griffin and replaced him with Doc Rivers.
WE WERE 30-13 BTW. TO BRING IN DOC. THIS IS WHAT STARTED THE AVALANCHE https://t.co/BGh2ZaulRx
Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home ahead of the trade deadline as several teams have made aggressive offers to the Bucks, league sources told ESPN.
Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly is "ready for a new home ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline" and the Milwaukee Bucks are now listening to offers, according to a report from Shams Charania of ESPN.
While there is clearly enough chatter that Charania reports the needle is starting to move, actually trading Antetokounmpo is much tougher to do on the ground in Milwaukee. The Bucks are asking for a massive haul in any trade — a high-level young player and a lot of draft picks to start — while, at the same time, Antetokounmpo has preferred destinations for his next team (most notably New York, which could not make that offer before next week's deadline).
The most likely outcome for any potential Antetokounmpo trade remains that it happens in the offseason if it's going to happen. Here is the key part of Charania’s report.
Multiple teams have received a sense that the Bucks are more open than ever on Antetokounmpo offers between now and the deadline, league sources said. However, Milwaukee has indicated to interested teams that the organization is not in a rush to complete a move and is willing to navigate Antetokounmpo's future in the offseason if its believed price point of a blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks isn't met, sources said. By waiting until the summer, the Bucks could also see which teams are able to offer more appealing draft picks in June.
Sources said Antetokounmpo has informed the Bucks for months that he believes the moment has come to part ways after 12-plus years together, making a trade increasingly possible.
The expectation in league circles has been more that Antetokounmpo would tell the Bucks this summer he would not sign the four-year, $275 million supermax extension the team can offer (which he could not sign until Oct. 1), which would force the Bucks to trade him then or risk losing him for nothing in free agency in 2027.
Trading him at the deadline is difficult for a couple of key reasons. One is the tax aprons, which put hard caps and trade restrictions on potential trades. For example, the Knicks are hard-capped at the second apron and are currently less than $150,000 below that number, so they need to take back less money in a trade than they send out, and Antetokounmpo is making $54.1 million this season. That becomes a difficult math problem, and the Knicks don't have draft picks to send to Milwaukee in a deal anyway. Other teams known to be interested would face the same issues: The Warriors are hard-capped at the second apron (and the Bucks would not want just the injured Jimmy Butler in a deal), the Heat are hard-capped at the first apron, and the list goes on and on. Other teams linked in the past might rethink their interest: Do teams like the Spurs and Pistons want to blow things up to chase an aging star, or stick with their young cores that are winning big now?
The other factor is Antetokounmpo's injury — he is currently sidelined with a calf strain, and while the Bucks would not put a timeline on his return, Antetokounmpo himself said 4-6 weeks. Any team that trades for him is doing so in part to chase a ring this season, and Antetokounmpo has missed considerable time this season and in recent playoff runs because of similar leg injuries. Why would a team go all-in now if they can make a better offer this summer?
There are a lot of moving parts with an Antetokounmpo trade, and most likely it remains an offseason thing, but the Bucks are now listening to offers.
LORIENT, France (AP) — The French Ligue 1 club Lorient announced Wednesday that the Black Knight Football Club group had become its sole shareholder.
The Black Knight consortium fronted by American businessman Bill Foley, which owns the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL, acquired a minority ownership interest in Lorient in January 2023 as part of its multi-club ownership strategy.
BKFC also owns Premier League side Bournemouth, Moreirense FC in Portugal and Auckland FC in New Zealand.
Lorient said in a statement that Wednesday's move follows “a strategic agreement aimed at strengthening the long-term development of FC Lorient in an increasingly competitive football environment.”
BKFC is bringing more than $550 million in equity, Lorient said. It added that president Loïc Féry would retain his position and become a BKFC shareholder alongside Foley.
“We are delighted to take this next step with FC Lorient and to welcome Loïc to BKFC,” Foley said. “With Loïc, we will ensure FC Lorient continues to succeed and we will strive to maintain the enthusiasm of its supporters.”
The New York Knicks have owned the Toronto Raptors, winning 10 straight matchups against their division rival. However, Toronto is a slight favorite for tonight’s game.
My Knicks vs. Raptors predictions explain why the 3-ball will be the key to Toronto potentially ending this skid, and my NBA picks bring you an outright winner, plus some juicy SGPs for this Atlantic Division clash on Wednesday, January 28.
Knicks vs Raptors prediction
Knicks vs Raptors best bet: Raptors moneyline (-125)
The New York Knicks have dominated this matchup, but the Toronto Raptors are playing well, winning their last four games, and more importantly, they play a style of basketball that can frustrate New York.
The Knicks rely heavily on the 3-ball this season, ranking eighth in attempts and fourth in makes per game. The Raptors allow the second-lowest 3-point shooting percentage.
Meanwhile, New York is a middling 16th in defensive rating, while Toronto’s offense is starting to come around again, thanks to a healthy RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley playing his best basketball.
There’s value in the Raps to win this one outright.
Knicks vs Raptors same-game parlay
Let’s get back to Quickley. The Raps’ guard has looked like his best self for a while now, but sportsbooks are still undervaluing his ability to get buckets.
Quickley is averaging 19.4 points and 6.3 assists over his last 17 games. Yet we are still getting points and assists props at 16.5 and 5.5.
The Knicks allow the most points and assists per game in the NBA to opposing guards.
Let's bank on a big night for IQ vs. his former team.
Knicks vs Raptors SGP
Raptors moneyline
Immanuel Quickley Over 16.5 points
Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Knicks die by the 3
The Knicks live by the three-ball, and tonight they could die by it with their 24th-ranked 3-point defense hurting them.
Knicks vs Raptors SGP
Immanuel Quickley Over 2.5 threes
RJ Barrett Over 1.5 threes
Brandon Ingram Over 1.5 threes
Jamal Shead Over 1.5 threes
Knicks vs Raptors odds
Spread: Knicks +1.5 | Raptors -1.5
Moneyline: Knicks -105 | Raptors -125
Over/Under: Over 221 | Under 221
Knicks vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Knicks have only hit the 1H Moneyline in 19 of their last 45 away games for -15.55 Units and a -23% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Raptors.
How to watch Knicks vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, MSG
Knicks vs Raptors latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
With the NBA tradeline rapidly approaching, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on the move, and the Knicks very well could be suitors.
Begley adds that the Miami Heat will also be involved.
The Knicks have also been linked to Portland Trail Blazers point guard Jrue Holiday, and Begley reported that teams interested in Antetokounmpo are under the impression that he would like to reunite with Holiday, as the duo previously played together in Milwaukee.
Winning a title in New York appeals to Antetokounmpo, per Begley, and would be one reason why he sees them as a destination.
A two-time MVP, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists this season, but he is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a calf strain.
One of the Lakers’ underlying issues throughout the season has been their paltry bench scoring. While their starting lineup has been great, their bench has left much to be desired.
Rui Hachimura’s emergence in recent games as a viable scoring option off the bench has been a huge boost in that regard. For really the first time since joining the Lakers, Rui is not in the starting lineup but he’s not letting that impact him, as evidenced by Monday’s showing in Chicago.
When Austin Reaves soon returns, the Lakers should be healthy for the first time in a long time. So, on the precipice of that, let’s look at the current rotation.
Starters: Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton
Rui Hachimura
It’s still early in this new role for Rui, but his willingness to come off the bench and the groove he’s in are all encouraging signs for what could be coming.
Jarred Vanderbilt
It feels long ago that Vando was out of the rotation entirely. Now, he’s a consistent piece and while he’s never going to be able to offer much offensively, he’s found ways to impact the game again defensively.
Jaxson Hayes
Hayes certainly has the trust of Redick, at least relative to Deandre Ayton. Redick has turned to Hayes in recent games to close the contest.
Ideally, this is a short-term trend, but Hayes has also done well in that span, too. His high motor in contrast to Ayton certainly stands out.
Gabe Vincent
It’s been quite the fall for Vincent this season. After being a stalwart in the rotation last year, Vincent’s spot seems as tenous as ever. With Reaves set to return, someone is going to fall out of the rotation. Right now, it seems like that will be either Vincent or Drew Timme and there isn’t much of an argument for the former to keep getting minutes.
Drew Timme
Could Timme be the newest two-way signing to make an impact for the Lakers? It’s only been a handful of games, but he’s given the Lakers something they haven’t had. And with him in the rotation, the Lakers have a new look they can go to with multiple bigs on the floor.
Brad Stevens may have done it again. In the ongoing search for a big man rotation capable of anchoring Boston’s next championship run, Amari Williams has flashed the traits of a player who could fit that role. The sample size is small, but Williams has already been a catalyst in several high-leverage moments this season. Let’s break down what’s driving his early success — and how he can continue developing into a center Joe Mazzulla can trust.
For a big man to have a realistic hope at playing big minutes deep into the playoffs, playing effective defense and specifically providing high level rim protection, is a prerequisite. Amari Williams’ rim protection is already jumping off the screen.
A good way to make a strong first impression on Joe Mazzulla is to check into a game because both Neemias Queta and Luka Garza are in foul trouble — then immediately deliver a game-clinching block. As Baylor Scheierman and Payton Pritchard scramble to contain Nolan Traore, Williams reads the breakdown instantly and sends the ball back the other way. He could have blocked it with his elbow if he wanted to.
Like many late-round draft projects, the bet starts with the tools. Amari Williams is an explosive athlete with a 6-foot-11 frame and a massive 7-foot-5 wingspan. In theory, that physical profile should translate into some outrageous defensive plays.
Jerami Grant does an excellent job of dislodging Amari, creating what looks like a clean look at the basket. Unfortunately for Grant, Amari Williams is able to close the gap and reject the shot comfortably. The athletic ability to be bumped, end up on your heels, but then recover for a block is absurd.
Guarding a Cade Cunningham/Jalen Duren pick and roll is a tall task for any player, let alone a second round rookie. Cade has the ability shoot from anywhere, and with his giant frame for a ball handler, it makes it easier for him to execute passes over the top of the drop defender for lobs.
Amari Williams does an awesome job of eating up the space of both the ball handler in Cunningham, while also being in position to take away the lob to Duren, who converts pick and rolls as the roll man at a 1.38 points per possession clip. That puts him in the 85th percentile. Impressive work from the rookie.
Being able to play effective drop coverage is a premium and necessary skill in today’s pick and roll heavy NBA. It’s difficult to consistently navigate the space between ball handler and lob threat, but Amari appears to have the feel, IQ, and athleticism to make it look easy at times. I love the way Amari stays down until he is sure the shot is going up, and can get to the block.
These plays are the foundation of an effective big man defender in the modern NBA.
Shifting to the offensive end, the equation remains simple. If Amari Williams can hold his own in drop coverage defensively and function as a competent roll threat offensively, then he has a clear path to being an NBA player. Early returns have been encouraging.
Amari sets a somewhat non-traditional screen in this two-man action with Derrick White. But due to Amari’s sheer size (and subtle moving screen), Jerami Grant gets held up, forcing old friend Robert Williams to step up, D White freezes Rob with a ball fake, and Amari is in perfect position to treat Celtics fans to a loud two hand slam.
I hate to invoke the name. However, anytime I see an explosive big man that collects rude blocks, loud dunks, and spicy passes, I can’t help but be reminded of Robert Williams. I hesitate to compare anyone to Rob, because the peak version of Robert Williams was a one of one type player. But I do see shades of Rob in Amari.
It’s not an overly complicated pass, but the comfort Williams shows catching the ball, faking over his right shoulder, and simultaneously dropping a pass to Hugo Gonzalez is a thing of beauty.
If that’s not enough, how about a mid-air pass to Payton Pritchard to breathe life into a Celtics team trying to steal a victory from the jaws of defeat?
There are very few six-foot-eleven guys that can catch and fire an on target pass to the wing all before they hit the ground. I am tantalized.
Amari has been stuffing the stats sheet on offense with the Cetlics G-Leauge affiliate up in Maine. Playing drop coverage requires an element of chemistry, but it’s on offense where the reps with teammates are truly required. It’s hard to fully unleash Amari Williams’ passing ability when he has had such limited court time with the Celtics main rotation players.
These are the sorts of plays that would connect with more reps. It’s a great pass from Amari, throwing Simons open for a clean midrange jumper. I would love to see Amari earn more minutes, as his passing would bring an element to the court that the Celtics are currently lacking.
There’s already plenty of promising film from a rookie who has logged just 88 total NBA minutes. It’s not hard to see a clear pathway for Amari Williams to become a high-level big. He has the size and feel to execute drop coverage competently, along with the vision and IQ to be highly effective as both a lob threat and a short-roll playmaker. Feed him more minutes, Joe Mazzulla.
Joel Embiid is doing things I never imagined he’d do again. After an MVP campaign in 2023, an All-World performance in 2024 that was cut short due to injury and a disastrous season for both him and the franchise all around last year, I was pretty out on this whole ordeal. Oh, the Sixers added 59-year-old Paul George on a contract worth approximately $5 billion into the mix as well? Awesome stuff, everyone. I’m so glad I devoted my life to writing about this sports scene!
I’m jaded, but something is changing.
Despite the mountains of snow piled up around Philadelphia, my heart continues to thaw when it comes to this season’s Sixers team.
VJ Edgecombe is a foundational guard already in his rookie season. Tyrese Maxey will be an All-Star starter in a few weeks. George himself even turned back the clock nearly a decade and dropped 32 points with nine made threes in a victory over Milwaukee on Tuesday night. What’s shaken up my ever-seesawing feelings about the Sixers as an overall entity as of late, however, is truly Embiid.
In 12 games this calendar year, Embiid is averaging a crisp 28-8-4 while being an efficient beast and living at the free throw line once more. Even if the crowds down in South Philadelphia may not be as raucous as they once were, I am having fun watching this team again! I want the arena to be back to what it was too!
Embiid remains a divisive figure, not just nationally, but locally as well. Look at the replies to any media member on social media and you’ll see people complaining about Embiid’s absences, injuries and playoff shortcomings as much as you’ll see fawning devotion for torrid scoring and what he’s meant to the team for so long.
You see performances like Monday where the team was down literally 50 points after three quarters sans both Embiid and George to a hapless Hornets team and thinking, “We’re an injury away from these two old, fragile players from this being a twice-weekly occurrence.” It’s enough to make people not want to buy back into this all after dedicating so much to the Process era, the build-up, the hype and the second-round ceiling they could never break through.
There is something freeing, however, even if it may ultimately prove foolish, about allowing yourself to be sucked back into the Sixers’ postseason aspirations even after everything that’s transpired. Embiid is the lone connective tissue throughout all of this. He was the draft pick that stemmed from the Sixers’ first tank-a-palooza season. He’s withstood a revolving door of co-stars. He’s battled through injures that appeared career-threatening at various times and is still hanging, still dropping 30 points with ease whenever he’s out there on the court.
I’m well aware of Embiid’s injury history what that means every April and May. I’m under no pretense that I’m watching a team that will be playing in the NBA Finals in June, but I’m watching one that, come the spring, will have me soaking up the warmer weather, breaking out my latest Sixers eBay find and hopelessly dreaming, as I’ve done for the last quarter of a century.
On what needed to improve after the last meeting with the Kings:
“Everything. They punched us in the mouth, and we didn’t respond well.”
On sticking with a KAT-Out closing lineup late:
“I know at the end of the game, we had a group out on the floor that’s playing well, and it’s a tight ball game so I just rode that group to the end of the game, which I’ve done before. We had Deuce out there, who’s not a starter, and Mitch out there, who’s not a starter. So again, we need to get the win, and the biggest thing was Mikal was at 37 minutes, but other than Mikal, everybody was at decent minutes especially knowing we’ve got a game tomorrow.”
On riding an alternative lineup for the final minutes vs. Sacramento:
“During the flow of the game, you find a group of players that you feel are playing well together. And you roll with it as long as you can.”
On Mitchell Robinson’s defensive impact:
“He brought a level of energy to us tonight, especially on defense. That got us over the hump.”
On self-inflicted turnovers on Tuesday:
“I thought the turnovers were self-inflicted. That’s not taking anything away from Sacramento. I thought we didn’t do a great job of playing off of two feet. Whenever you play off of one foot, you’re gonna get yourself in trouble. If you leave your feet with no place to go, you think somebody is open, there’s a good chance that the defense is gonna rotate and take that away and now you’re in trouble. We just have to do a better job of playing off of two feet.”
On grinding out the win defensively:
“It was an ugly game, but our defense stayed solid throughout.”
“It was an ugly game. It wasn’t pretty, but we were able to grind it out and find a way to win, and I think that’s very important for us.”
On focus and attention to detail leading NYK to a win vs. Sacramento:
“Our attention to detail, our focus, those are big components for us. We have the ability to be a really good team if we do those things. The little things have to be important.”
"[Mike Brown] saw what he saw. We've got to win. That's the most important thing. That's all I care about, New York cares about, this team cares about – is wins"
– Karl-Anthony Towns on not playing down the stretch in tonight's win over the Kings pic.twitter.com/GHd1LuGpHK
On being removed from the closing lineup once again:
“[Brown] saw what he saw. We got a win. That’s the most important thing. That’s all I care about. That’s all this team cares about is the win.”
On beating Sacramento after the previous loss:
“It’s good to win any game. We beat a team that had our number the last game and against whom we showed one of our worst versions of ourselves. It was good to come out here and find a better version of ourselves and find ourselves winning.”
Mitchell Robinson said missing games as part of Knick medical staff’s plan for him was “rough at first.”
“I want to play every game. And with this plan…I kind of just have to embrace it…So I put my pride & ego to the side (and)… it’s working out.” pic.twitter.com/KaeZwUmjDV
“It was rough at first. I want to play every game. This plan we have in place for me. I just kind of embrace it and roll with it. I put my pride and ego to the side and just stick with the plan and it’s working out. Why fix something that’s not broken?”
On the Knicks’ turnaround:
“It’s all about coming out with the right mindset. And being ready to go.
“It feels great. We’re really making a turn and we’re really getting our s–t together.”
With nine games on the board, it’s a jam-packed Hump Day of basketball action, which means a ton of NBA player props to bet on.
I’ve found my three favorites for today, which include a continuously undervalued Immanuel Quickley as he goes against his former team, and LaMelo Ball will create a buzz with the 3-ball when the Hornets take on the Grizz.
Those and more NBA picks for Wednesday, January 28.
Jalen Smith has been a bit of a revelation for the Chicago Bulls lately. The big man has taken advantage of extended minutes, averaging 11.8 points and 8.9 rebounds over his last 14 games.
That stretch includes five of his seven double-doubles this season, and I’m betting he has another big night against the Indiana Pacers.
It’s been a tough season for the Pacers, particularly on the glass. Indiana has the fourth-lowest rebounding rate and surrenders the third-most rebounds per game.
So, with a rebounding prop of 8.5, a double-double looks like a much better bet.
The Raps’ guard has looked like his best self for a while now, but sportsbooks are still undervaluing his ability to get buckets.
Quickley is averaging 19.4 points while shooting 37.6% from 3-point range over his last 17 games. However, oddsmakers are still setting his point total at 16.5, a number he’s eclipsed 13 times over that stretch.
Defending guards have been a huge problem for the New York Knicks. The Knicks have surrendered the most points per game to opposing guards this season.
After a start to the season that was hampered by multiple injuries, Ball has now played 21 games in a row and is shooting a crazy good 41.3% from 3-point range on a whopping 9.6 attempts from deep per game.
Melo will let it fly against a declawed Memphis Grizzlies team. Not only are the Grizz dealing with a ton of injuries, but their perimeter defense has been putrid all season, resulting in the fourth-most opponent made threes per game.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FDSN Southeast-Charlotte, FDSN Southeast-Memphis
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
LeBron James is slowing down at age-41, and it’s becoming clear that his NBA career is reaching its conclusion. James will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026. The Los Angeles Lakers are now Luka Doncic’s team, and James doesn’t fit his timeline. James could retire this summer, but it’s hard to imagine one of the greatest players of all-time will walk away from the NBA without being celebrated for his contributions to the game.
It sure feels like the LeBron James retirement tour is coming for the 2026-27 season, and there’s only one team that makes sense to host it.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are open to James returning to the team this summer, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The report comes as the Lakers visit Cleveland on Wednesday night for the final time this season. Will this be the last game James ever plays in his hometown? It could be, but probably not.
This was supposed to be an NBA Finals-or-bust season for the Cavs, and it sure looks like they will go bust. Cleveland isn’t even in the top-3 challengers in the lowly Eastern Conference at the midway point of the season. The Cavs have struggled for a variety of reasons, but it’s easy to blame injuries. Darius Garland hasn’t been right all year as he’s battled a toe injury, Max Strus hasn’t played a game, and almost everyone else has been dinged up at times.
The Cavs may have to make some moves to bring in James depending on what type of salary he’s looking for. It’s possible Jarrett Allen could be sent packing, and the team finally commits to Evan Mobley as a full-time center. It’s also possible James would play on a smaller salary and try to maximize his chances of getting a storybook ending.
There will be other suitors for LeBron this summer. The Golden State Warriors would love to get involved, and more teams will come calling. It just feels like the LeBron retirement tour has to happen in Cleveland. It sure seems like that’s the way the wind is blowing right now.
After the victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked to assess what he saw from Anfernee Simons on the defensive end.
“Just his continued growth,” Mazzulla said firmly. It was a simple answer, but one layered with meaning. As the season has unfolded, Simons’ development has become harder to ignore. Mazzulla underscored that evolution, noting that he is “really starting to see the two-way player” emerge.
Before the season began, Simons shared a moment with reporters that offered insight into the foundation of that growth. Mazzulla, he recalled, reassured him about his defense, telling him, “You’re not as bad as people think you are.” Simons later added that the felt “pretty excited about being pushed to a new level.”
Fast forward to Simons’ 39-point performance in a win over Miami, and the tone shifted from reassurance to affirmation. Mazzulla was direct in his assessment: “I think he’s taken it to another level with his defense.”
That growth hasn’t lived only in postgame quotes. It’s been unfolding on the floor, in moments that don’t always make the box score, but stand out on film.
Simons has continued to show that he not only possesses the tools, but also the want-to, to give the game what it demands on that end of the floor. His physicality at the point of attack has taken a significant leap this season, and he’s consistently walling off straight-line drives, which is super important.
On this first play, Simons shuts down the initial drive before contesting Caleb Love’s shot. Stopping drives is crucial for any team, of course, but on this roster, it’s especially important because it allows the new swarming-to-the-ball defensive scheme to function at its best.
Once a player turns their back on the Celtics or is forced to reset after being stopped, multiple defenders swarm to the ball, as you can see here. Rayan Rupert quickly gives up the ball as Hugo Gonzalez and Payton Pritchard converge.
Here, Simons makes multiple efforts. In transition, he stops the ball, and Baylor Scheierman follows trying to contest the pass.
Then Simons uses the baseline as his ally, staying chest-up to contain the drive. This appears to be a tactic the coaches are emphasizing, as Scheierman has employed the same technique frequently this season. He even pokes the ball loose as Rupert tries to spin.
Here, Simons fights around two off-ball screens to get back to Love at the opposite wing. I really want to credit Mazzulla and the staff for instilling this mindset in Simons.
When we traded for Simons, I watched a bunch of his defensive possessions with Portland. From that tape, I can say with confidence that the level of defensive aggression and the want-to simply didn’t seem to present itself.
Here is how he graded out as a perimeter defender last season per Bball-Index.
But when you take a look at his numbers this year, the improvement is shown.
The conversation about mindset comes into focus when watching how aggressively he defends when going over screens. Using his quickness to get over, Simons then defends with his chest forward, effectively stopping the ball in its tracks.
In a post training camp interview, Simons shocked most Celtics fans when he admitted that he had “never really worked on or been taught” when speaking about the defensive playmaking drills, he started doing when he got to Boston.
Here, he shows good effort trailing the play and ends up knocking the ball off of Love, giving the Celtics the final possession of the half.
The fight is evident on this play.
Simons was often tasked with guarding the much taller Jerami Grant, listed at 6’7”. On this play, the Blazers feed him in the post, giving him space and anticipating a mismatch.
Simons does an outstanding job playing with the physicality the Celtics require on defense, giving up very little ground in the post. He even puts his defensive playmaking drills into action, poking the ball loose and nearly forcing a steal.
Mazzulla talked about this play postgame and said, “We may have been able to challenge that one, but we were down a timeout and we couldn’t risk it.”
Next, we see Simons against Grant again showing the aggressiveness going over the screen. Pass goes to Clingan and he misses it.
The Blazers go to their own version of the Killer Whale Pick and Roll trying to go at Simons. He passes Rupert to Gonzalez and has to move his feet quickly to contain Jrue Holiday on the drive. He plays with his chest as Holiday euro-steps then nicely contests the layup.
Lastly, the aggression going over the screen pays off once more as this time he stabs at the ball and goes the other way. Celtics end up getting a three off the nice steal.
Most fans had very valid questions about whether Simons could improve an overall underwhelming defensive career with the Trailblazers. The Celtics’ coaching, culture, and insistence on accountability has helped reshape his game.
Where once his defense lacked bite, he now approaches possessions with purpose, body and mind aligned. He doesn’t just guard the ball; he challenges it, contests it, and forces the game to respect him. Simons hasn’t just grown; he’s exceeded expectations, emerging as the player coach Mazzulla thought he could be.
Jalen Smith
Immanuel Quickley
LaMelo Ball
